WWE News Dot Net Exclusive: Many WWE wrestlers are no longer as keen on wrestling for the Raw brand as they were in the past, lead writer the target of criticism By Jason Powell Jun 5, 2008 - 10:45 AM Email This Article | Printer Friendly Page Send Us News & Results | Back to Main Listing The tide appears to be turning with many wrestlers as far as their desire to be on Raw or Smackdown. There was a time when most wrestlers wanted to appear on Raw because of it's status WWE's flagship show. While that's still true of most main eventers, there are more mid- and undercard wrestlers who would prefer to be on Smackdown due to the perception that they'll have more opportunities to climb the ladder. Many wrestlers feel that Raw lead writer Brian Gewirtz is only concerned with pushing the same main event wrestlers, and critics point out that he's struggled to create new stars during his time in the company. "How the hell does anyone get over in two minutes?" one critic asked regarding some of the short matches that have been taking place on Raw. Powell's POV: There are plenty of fingers pointed at Gewirtz these days over Raw's lackluster ratings. The common feeling among the people I've spoken with is that he wastes too much time with backstage segments and not enough time focussed on in-ring action. Of course, Vince McMahon makes the final call on all booking matters, but a common theme in my recent phone conversations with WWE personnel is their lack of faith in Gewirtz's ability to get Raw back on track. News Usage Policy HELP SUPPORT DOT NET! BECOME A MEMBER AT OUR CHARTER RATE OF JUST $5 A MONTH - GET THE FIRST LOOK AT EXCLUSIVE INSIDER DOT NET NEWS, TONS OF EXCLUSIVE AUDIO SHOWS, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, START YOUR OWN BLOG, AD-FREE MAIN LISTING: SIGN ME UP (or MORE INFO) GOT AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH? THEN BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE iPhone APP: (click here!) (or SEARCH "pro wrestling" in iTunes App Store) FOR MORE BREAKING WWE & TNA NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE PWTORCH.COM (click here!) FOR MORE MMA & UFC NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE MMATORCH.COM (click here!) CLICK TO RETURN TO DOT NET MAIN LISTING OR SELECT A LINK BELOW FROM THIS CATEGORY WWE News Latest Twelve Articles Shore's WWE Smackdown Hitlist: Batista vs. Matt Hardy, John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler, CM Punk and wet cigarettes, Mickie James, and Undertaker and Kane vs. Chris Jericho and Big Show Jim Ross shoots down talk that he's targeting WrestleMania 26 for his return, comments on his current contractual status with WWE Shore's WWE Superstars Hitlist: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder, Eric Escobar (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang, and Mark Henry vs. Cody Rhodes 11/20 WWE Smackdown preview: The complete lineup for tonight's show headlined by Undertaker and Kane vs. Chris Jericho and Big Show, plus a hot Intercontinental Title match (no spoilers) 11/20 WWE Smackdown spoilers: Full results of the show that airs tonight with John Morrison defending the Intercontinental Title against Dolph Ziggler in a best of three falls match (spoilers) Where Are They Now: Former WWE wrestler Duke "The Dumpster" Droese